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Post by petergunga on Jun 2, 2009 7:20:26 GMT -8
I have a 6-7 month old iguana. He's awesome. I am concerned about his health. He has no really glaring signs of bad health, but his nutritional habits alarm me. First, he really doesn't seem to eat much. I give him fresh food every day - a good mix of collard greens and/or mustard greens, yellow or butternut squash, sometimes baby carrots (he loves them), occaisionally strawberries, banana, or grapes and every couple of days I use a commercial food called iguana-bites that are refrigerated little bite-sized cubes that seem to have a really good ratio of nutrients. Very seldom does he finish the food I give him... I provide around 3/4-1 full cup of food per day and he will literally only eat like 5-8 bites and be done (as far as I can tell). He rarely goes without eating, he just eats very little. He hasn't shed in over a month, though. I have also never seen him drink. This freightens me the most as I can see the lateral fold along his torso that is a sure sign of dehydration. I have recently switched him from a turtle aquarium to a larger cage made for rabbits. The heat source I used to use (a 75 watt exo-terra) seems to be inadequate now as the basking spot is only around 85 with the rest of the tank being about 72-76. Could the lack of heat be slowing his metabolism? If he is dehydrated, could that cause a small apetite? I have read a lot in the forums about correcting dehydration so I am putting some of those suggestions into effect. Any Suggestions?  ?? |
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Post by Merlin on Jun 2, 2009 8:39:45 GMT -8
Hello. I hate to tell you but you have so many isssues that its difficult to know where to start!
First off, ditch the cubes and go with fresh greens. Those cubes contain eggs and milk! Iguanas should not be fed on animal protiens. It will seriously shorten their lifespan.
The diet should consist of 70-80% greens,Mustard, Turnip, and collard. A touch of orange skinned squash, green beans, peppers and a bit of fruit is fine but don't go overboard with it. Also ditch the carrots and replace them with parsnips. Strawberries are good as are various melons but the grapes and bananas should be used as an occassional treat (Once a month) if at all.
Most iguanas do not drink standing water but get their moisture needs from the food that they eat. If dehydration is a concern putting a small amount of water soaked RepCal brand iguana pellets as a salad topper is helpful. They will soak up water like a sponge!
The minimum recommended size enclosure FOR A HATCHLING is a 55 gallon tank. And the size should increase from there.
Rabbit cages are for rabbits not iguanas and will make it impossible to regulate the heat and humidity a tropical animal has to have to survive. And they are not nearly large enough.
You did not mention a UVB light. This is an absolute necessity for the iguana to metabolize the calcium in its diet.
Igs need a basking temperature of 95 degrees. If the temps are too low they cannot digest their food properly.
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Post by petergunga on Jun 2, 2009 10:45:45 GMT -8
Gotcha. I do have UVB. Any suggestions for a cage? There is this one I have seen online called the iguana kingdom. It seems pretty big... like 6'x2.5'x3' or something like that. I guess I will order one of those... Thanks for your help as always.
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Post by Merlin on Jun 2, 2009 15:01:51 GMT -8
Those iguana kingdoms are nothing more than bird cages. They are way too small for an adult iguana and again being wire they are impossible to heat and humidify. Your best option is building a cage yourself.
Or if you are unable to do it yourself talk to a cabinet maker or even the local highschool/VoTech Woodshop.
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Post by petergunga on Jun 3, 2009 11:41:33 GMT -8
Ok, I found some good plans for a cage at the iguana den website. I think I am going to go with pvc, as that seems the easiest to take apart for transportation. Coroplas for walls and heat/moisture retention. Construction commences next week on payday  |
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